Foodie In Florence: Food Fight!

During my three and a half hour lecture this morning, many topics in sustainability were discussed at length. However, one statement stuck with me that didn't need any elaboration at all and it's this;

Consumers play a critical role in creating a sustainable food system. It's so true and so uplifting. In a time where we have excess food being wasted, malnutrition, and horrible food policies it's easy to feel diminished. Thanks to Michael Pollan and the Slow Food Movement we, as individuals, can vote to change our food system every day three times a day! The idea is that we vote with our fork!

In our supply and demand economy producers develop products based on the needs of the consumer. If we all create a demand for good, clean, fair, local, organic food than we can rest assured that we'll be supplied.

In the documentary Food Inc. (a must must must see foodie documentary) the CEO of Stonyfield Organic Yogurt shares with us how they got their products in Walmart. He says that their company got there from us, the consumers. If we want to buy organic and sustainably we have to show the big guys with our wallets. 

Buy making sure our purchases are organic and local we insure that the word is getting out about what we want for ourselves and community. The organic selections may be skimpy in comparison to other brands, but think back about ten years ago when you were searching up down the sea of cereals. How many organic choices did you have? Any? One or three at the maximum? Now they're everywhere from big names like Kashi and Natures Promise! This is directly related to us as consumers and we need not forget this.

Every day, three times we're given the opportunity to be responsible shoppers and eaters. Your vote counts and it's recognized at the register. Let's show them what we want!

Want to do even more? Check out this website to get in contact with our senator and representatives or set up a booth!

Buon Apettito!